Perceptual and Physiological Responses during Exercise in Cool and Cold Water

Abstract

This investigation examined the interaction of exposure to cold water stress with both perceived exertion and thermal sensation during exercise. Eight male volunteers performed arm, leg, and combined arm and leg exercise for 45 min. in water at 20 and 26°C. Exercise was performed at a low ( n = 7) and a high ( n = 8) intensity relative to the ergometer specific peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak). In general, percent VOz peak did not differ between types of exercise in either 20 or 26°C water. During low intensity exercise when power output was matched across water temperatures (Tw), percent VO2 peak was greater in 20°C water (52%) compared to 26°C water (42%). Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) did not differ between Tw. During high intensity exercise when percent VO2 peak was matched across Tw, RPE was lower during exercise in 20°C compared to 26°C. Multiple correlation analyses comparing both final RPE and thermal sensation (TS) with physiological and thermal measures were performed across type of exercise and Tw. RPE was moderately correlated with heart rate ( r = 0.68) and ventilation ( r = 0.61), whereas very slight relationships were established with TS ( r = 0.16), skin and rectal temperatures ( r = 0.10 and r = 0.20). TS was moderately correlated with skin and rectal temperatures ( r = 0.64 and r = 0.73), whereas low correlations existed between TS and both heart rate ( r = 0.32) and ventilation ( r = —0.12). These data suggest that the change in oxygen uptake associated with exercise in cold water does not add to the over-all perception of exertion. This perception appears to be related to cardiopulmonary variables rather than thermal measures, whereas thermal sensation is related to thermal measures and not cardiopulmonary variables.

Physiological and perceptual responses to exercising in restrictive heat loss attire with use of an upper-body sauna suit in temperate and hot conditions

“…Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE [Borg 1982]) from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal exertion), thermal comfort (TC [Zhang et al 2004]) from 0 (comfortable) to 4 (very uncomfortable), and thermal sensation scale (TSS [Toner et al 1986]) from 0 (unbearably cold) to 8 (unbearably hot), were assessed every 5-mins during exercise.…”

The effects of single versus twice daily short term heat acclimation on heat strain and 3000m running performance in hot, humid conditions

“…HR monitors were affixed to the chest (Accurex+, Polar Electro, Oy, Kempele, Finland) and monitored continuously during all exercise. Participants were familiarised to perceptual scales, including ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), from 6 (no exertion) to 20 (maximal exertion) (Borg, 1982) and thermal sensation (TSS), from 0 (unbearably cold) to 8 (unbearably hot) (Toner et al, 1986). Participants were aware they could stop exercising at any time and were removed from the heat if T re reached ≥39.7°C (zero incidences).…”

Influence of Hydration on Physiological Function and Performance During Trail Running in the Heat

“…We then took the following baseline measurements: body mass, body temperature (T GI ), HR, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), urine color, urine specific gravity (U SG ), urine osmolality (U osm ), perceived thirst, 26 and perceived thermal sensations. 27 After baseline measurements, volunteers began trail runs individually, with 4-minute intervals separating start times.…”